Written by Habiba and reviewed by our team. Habiba is a student at the University of Surrey
Moving away for uni doesn’t just mean leaving home – it also means leaving your comfort zone.
I still remember move-in day: it felt so daunting, and I kept wondering how on earth I was going to live with 14 (yes you read that correctly) other students for an entire year without losing my mind.
But we made it work, and some of them ended up becoming my closest friends. They’ve genuinely shaped my uni experience into what it is today.
So here are my main tips and bits of advice for freshers living out for the first time:
- Make a flat group chat
This is a lifesaver. It’s the easiest way to reach everyone about flat issues, especially the ghost flatmates you’ll probably only see three times all year. In our flat, if there were dirty dishes piling up, we’d send a pic in the chat and ‘name and shame’. It actually worked most of the time.
- Host an initial games night
Nothing breaks the ice better. Classic games like Ring of Fire or card games like Rummy always go down well, but newer ones like Imposter or Mafia are hilarious too. By the end of the year, Twister became a flat staple for us and three years on, it’s still a favourite.
- Agree on flat rules
It might sound picky, but setting out a few ground rules early on helps avoid bigger problems later.
For example: if you cook, clean up straight after; if you’re hosting a party, let everyone know in the group chat well in advance, make sure most of the flat is happy with it, and take responsibility for cleaning up any mess. Our flat was right by the uni nightclub, so we had plenty of social gatherings, but setting these boundaries kept things fair.
- Take downtime
This was something I struggled with at first. I felt like I always had to be in the kitchen socialising, cooking, or baking with everyone.
But sometimes the best thing you can do is retreat to your room, binge a show, or call your parents. Alone time is key, especially when you’re socially burnt out. You do not have to go out and do everything. Do what you know you would enjoy.
- Respect exam season
This is usually a rule in halls anyway, but in a house share it’s worth making clear: no parties or loud music during exams.
No one wants to be trying to revise while basslines are shaking the walls at 4 a.m. Save the Sammy Virji sets for after exams then you can all celebrate properly.
The last thing you want is people from the flat below, who are all highly stressed final year students, coming up and telling you off.
- Remember everyone’s in the same boat
Every single fresher is adjusting to living away from home, so if you’re feeling nervous, chances are everyone else is too. Don’t be afraid to smile, say hi, and start conversations. Even small gestures in the first couple of weeks can make a big difference.
Living with others can feel daunting at first, just like move-in day, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the uni experience. If you keep these tips in mind, you won’t just get through living with new people — you may even find that they become the ones who shape your uni experience in the best possible way.
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